January 22, 2015

A Symbolic Visit

The bilateral relationship between the United States and
India has entered a new, and arguably more normal, stage. When a U.S. President
visits Britain, France, or Japan, there is not always an expectation of major
breakthroughs, announcements, or deliverables. Similarly, observers should get
used to seeing India-U.S. bilateral summits for what they are: regular
consultations and demonstrations of goodwill between the leaders of two
important and friendly countries with a wide set of converging interests.

That being said, President Obama’s visit to India to
participate in the 2015 Republic Day festivities is of immense symbolic and
political importance. By inviting a U.S. President as Republic Day chief guest
for the first time, New Delhi has shown a willingness to embrace its
relationship with Washington in an extraordinarily public manner. Until
recently, the act of featuring a U.S. president at a nationally-televised
parade showcasing India’s culture and military power would have been perceived
as being in contravention of the cherished vestiges of non-alignment. The
government of Prime Minister Modi, however, recognizes that the presence of the
president of the United States holds significant domestic and international
political value.

Such visits also do continue to serve as valuable,
decision-forcing mechanisms. We may see some forward movement on possible joint
defense and civil nuclear initiatives, trade and investment, and climate and
energy cooperation. The details, however, are likely to be negotiated until the
very last minute.